Supplier Development Engineer - Non-Metallic Components

Katalyst CRO; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to build supplier capability for non-metallic cowling components and to drive robust quality systems across new product families. You will collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality teams to ensure design-for-manufacture and timely launches while promoting continuous improvement across the supply base.

The role emphasizes tooling transfers, process control establishment, and performance monitoring using Lean Six Sigma

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field is required.
• 35 years of experience in supplier quality, development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of non-metallic manufacturing processes (injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, composite layup).
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, GD&T, and mold flow analysis.
• Proven problem-solving skills (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Onboard new suppliers for non-metallic cowling components.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and feasibility reviews.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans to meet quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Oversee tooling transfers and validate installation and readiness at new supplier sites.
• Ensure suppliers establish robust process controls and meet APQP requirements.
• Lead suppliers through APQP phases for new product launches and transfers.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions, including dimensional analysis, material certifications, and capability studies.
• Drive supplier process improvements using Lean Six Sigma and best practices.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTD, capability) and implement corrective actions.
• Facilitate supplier training programs to enhance quality awareness and technical capability.
• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality teams to align design requirements and launch timelines.
• Support design reviews and provide input on manufacturability and process capability.

Skills

Non-metallic manufacturing

APQP/PPAP

PFMEA/Control Plans

DOE/SPC/GD&T

Problem solving (8D, A3, 5-Why)

Drawings interpretation

Project management/communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

• As part of the Supplier Development team, you will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and improving suppliers for non-metallic components, specifically cowling assemblies.
• This role focuses on building supplier capability, driving process excellence, and ensuring robust quality systems for new product families and tooling transfers.
• You will work cross-functionally to support design reviews, APQP deliverables, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable successful launches and long-term supplier performance.

Job Description & Skill Requirement:

• As part of the Supplier Development team, you will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and improving suppliers for non-metallic components, specifically cowling assemblies.
• This role focuses on building supplier capability, driving process excellence, and ensuring robust quality systems for new product families and tooling transfers.
• You will work cross-functionally to support design reviews, APQP deliverables, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable successful launches and long-term supplier performance.

Essential Functions

• Onboard new suppliers for non-metallic cowling components.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and feasibility reviews.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans to meet quality, delivery, and productivity targets.

Process & Tooling Readiness

• Oversee tooling transfers and validate installation and readiness at new supplier sites.
• Ensure suppliers establish robust process controls and meet APQP requirements.
• Support development of PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.

APQP & PPAP Execution

• Lead suppliers through APQP phases for new product launches and transfers.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions, including dimensional analysis, material certifications, and capability studies.
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards for non-metallic components.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive supplier process improvements using Lean Six Sigma and best practices.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTD, capability) and implement corrective actions.
• Facilitate supplier training programs to enhance quality awareness and technical capability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality teams to align design requirements and launch timelines.
• Support design reviews and provide input on manufacturability and process capability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 35 years of experience in supplier quality, development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of non-metallic manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, composite layup).
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, GD&T, and mold flow analysis.
• Proven problem-solving skills (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Business Travel Expectations

• This position will require regular day and/or overnight business travel by auto or airplane, up to 40%.